Assistant Professor, Mining and Metallurgical Engineering

Job Description

The Department of Mining and Metallurgical Engineering at the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) invites applications for two full-time, 9-month contract tenure-track faculty positions in Mining Engineering at the rank of Assistant Professor, with an anticipated start date of July 1, 2027. We seek dynamic and innovative candidates committed to excellence in teaching, research, and service, who will contribute to our department's mission of advancing knowledge in the mining field.

Key Responsibilities

Teaching:

• Develop and teach undergraduate and graduate courses in mine design, mining automation, mine safety, Ventilation, blasting, and general mining engineering.
• Mentor and advise undergraduate and graduate students.
• Contribute to curriculum development and innovative teaching methodologies, including online or hybrid course delivery.

Research:

• Establish a strong, externally funded research program addressing critical challenges in the mining industry.
• Research areas may include, but are not limited to:
  
  • Mine automation and data analytics
  • Mine ventilation and safety
  • Drilling, blasting, and explosives engineering
  • Resource and reserve estimation
  • Other related mining engineering topics
• Engage in interdisciplinary collaborations with other departments, research institutes, and industry partners.
• Secure research grants and publish findings in high-impact, peer-reviewed journals.

Service:

• Serve on departmental, college, and university committees.
• Support the department's strategic initiatives, including program development, accreditation, and community outreach.
• Actively participate in professional societies such as the Society for Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration (SME).
• Contribute to journal editorial and peer-review processes.

Required Qualifications

Ph.D. in Mining Engineering or a closely related field by the start date of the appointment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in mining automation, data analytics, and related digital technologies.
• A strong research record, demonstrated through peer-reviewed publications and successful acquisition of external funding.
• Experience in interdisciplinary research and industry collaborations.
• Professional experience in the mining industry; Professional Engineer (PE) licensure is a plus.
• Demonstrated excellence in teaching with experience in curriculum development and innovative instructional methods.
• Active engagement in professional organizations such as SME.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in teaching, research, and service.

Compensation Grade

Assistant Professor

To view the salary schedule for this position, please visit: Salary Schedules and select (9-month contract) Academic Faculty. Salary is competitive and commensurate with related education and experience.

Perks of working at UNR

• Health insurance options including dental and vision - Health Insurance
• Generous sick leave, life insurance, and long-term disability - Faculty Benefits
• E. L. Wiegand Fitness Center offers an annual or semester membership and family membership options. E.L. Wiegand Fitness Center
• Mountain EAP supports employees (and eligible dependents) through life's difficult moments. Mountain EAP is located in Reno and specializes in counseling and advising services for personal or interpersonal issues.
• Faculty Senate is the principal representing body for faculty. Its membership includes representatives from each academic and administrative major unit of the University. Faculty Senate
• No state income tax!

Grants-in-aid for Faculty Employees

The University is proud to provide a reduced-rate tuition benefit to faculty and qualified dependents. Faculty can take up to six credits per semester at a reduced rate. Dependents of faculty have unlimited credits, but in order to be eligible children must be unmarried and under the age of 24 and must receive at least 50% of their financial support from the employee and/or employee's spouse or domestic partner. Faculty Grants-in-Aid

Faculty Dual Career Assistance Program

The University of Nevada, Reno recognizes the importance of addressing dual-career couples' professional needs. We offer a dual career assistance program to newly hired faculty spouses/partners that provides resources and assists them to identify career opportunities in Northern Nevada. Dual Career Assistance Program

Department Information

The University of Nevada, Reno, has a deep-rooted history in mining, dating back 150 years to the Comstock Lode era. The Department of Mining and Metallurgical Engineering, part of the Mackay School of Earth Sciences and Engineering, has played a central role in the university's success and Nevada's economic development. The state, historically known for its gold and silver production, is now a critical player in the sustainable resource sector, boasting seven of the largest lithium deposits in the United States. This positions UNR and the Mackay School at the forefront of modern mining, contributing to the nation's transition toward a sustainable, lithium-powered future. The department remains a hub for students and professionals seeking to advance their careers while shaping the future of responsible resource development. See here for more information: https://www.unr.edu/mining

Contact Information

Search Committee Chair:

Administrative Contact: Beth Jacobsen at (775) 682-8787; jacobsenb@unr.edu

Exempt
Yes

Full-Time Equivalent
100.0%

Required Attachment(s)

Please note, once you submit your application the only attachment/s viewable to you will be the attachment/s to the resume/CV section of the application. Any additional required attachment/s to the cover letter, references, additional documents sections of the application, will not be viewable to you after you submit your application. All uploaded attachment/s will be on the application for the committee to review. To request updates to attachments, prior to the committee review of applications, please contact the candidate helpdesk at jobs@unr.edu

Attach the following attachments to your application

1) Resume/CV containing a complete list of publications

2) Cover Letter detailing qualifications and interest in the position

3) Statement of teaching philosophy (up to 3 pages maximum)

4) Statement of research interests and future plans (up to 5 pages maximum)

5) Names and contact Information for at least three professional references

Full Consideration

For full consideration, applications must be received by October 15, 2026.

Posting Close Time

This posting will close at 12:00 am on the date listed below. The posting will no longer be available to apply to after 11:59 pm the day prior.

Posting Close Date
12/31/2026